ST. LOUIS (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers lefty Brett Anderson exited his start Sunday in a key game at St. Louis in the third inning because of a blister on the index finger of his pitching hand. The winner of the Brewers-Cardinals game gets an NL playoff spot. Anderson gave up a triple to Harrison Bader and a walk to Tyler O’Neill to start the third. Right-hander Freddy Peralta replaced Anderson and allowed both of his runners to score. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Four teams, two National League playoff spots. And the AL Central champion. Besides postseason seeding, that's what remains to be decided on the last scheduled day of this bizarre baseball season. It could all come down to the wire at once in a wild rush, too, with every meaningful game Sunday starting just after 3 p.m. EDT. “If you said that to me before the season started or on opening day, I would probably look right at you very honestly and say, ‘I would not be surprised if this season came down to the very last game.’ And that’s what we get,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. Christian Yelich and the Brewers control their own fate. So do Yadier Molina and the Cardinals. The winner of their matchup Sunday in St. Louis punches a postseason ticket. Brett Anderson (4-3) pitches for Milwaukee against Austin Gomber (1-1). San Francisco is still breathing, but needs help. Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies need even more. One more chance to play in October as part of a playoff... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez pushed the Cleveland Indians into the playoffs with one swing and strengthened his case for the AL MVP award. Ramírez hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, giving Cleveland a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox that clinched a postseason berth Tuesday night. Ramírez’s drive to right off José Ruiz scored César Hernández and Francisco Lindor, setting off a wild celebration at home plate as the Indians reached the postseason for the fourth time in five years. Lindor had pulled Cleveland within one on a two-out double that plated Roberto Perez, who began the inning on second base. After Matt Foster (5-1) walked Hernández, Ruiz entered and gave up the game-ending drive. BRAVES 11, MARLINS 1 ATLANTA (AP) — Bryse Wilson pitched five scoreless innings, Marcell Ozuna drove in five runs with four hits that included two homers and Atlanta clinched its third straight NL East title. Atlanta hit five homers, including drives by Dansby Swanson and Freddie... [More]

A look at what’s happening around the majors today: ___ ONE AND DONE Tampa Bay can clinch its first AL East crown since 2010 with a win at the New York Mets or a Yankees loss to Toronto. Blake Snell (4-1, 3.05 ERA), the 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner, gets the ball as the Rays look to become the second team to lock up a division title during this pandemic-altered season, after Oakland won the AL West on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Indians need only a victory over the first-place Chicago White Sox or a Seattle loss to Houston to secure a spot in the expanded playoff field — which would mark their fourth postseason appearance in five years. Eight teams from each league make it this year. HE'S BACK Cincinnati right-hander Sonny Gray is expected to come off the injured list and start the second game of the Reds' critical series against Milwaukee. Gray (5-3, 3.94 ERA) hasn’t appeared in a game since Sept. 10 because of a strained back. He returns to a team that has won eight of nine... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched effectively into the sixth inning before leaving with an injury, Didi Gregorius hit a two-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 4-1 Tuesday night.The scuffling Mets played their first game since billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen agreed to buy the team from the Wilpon and Katz families. The agreement was announced Monday and the deal is subject to the approval of Major League Baseball owners. Arrieta (4-4) allowed one run on Brandon Nimmo’s homer and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. But he walked off the mound, grabbing the back of his right leg, after hitting Andres Gimenez with a pitch to load the bases. JoJo Romero entered and retired Wilson Ramos on a double-play grounder.Romero tossed two innings, Tommy Hunter got two outs and Hector Neris finished for his fourth save in seven chances.Mets starter Rick Porcello (1-5) yielded four runs and six hits in six innings as New York (21-27) lost its third straight and fell... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched effectively into the sixth inning before leaving with an injury, Didi Gregorius hit a two-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 4-1 Tuesday night.The scuffling Mets played their first game since billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen agreed to buy the team from the Wilpon and Katz families. The agreement was announced Monday and the deal is subject to the approval of Major League Baseball owners. Arrieta (4-4) allowed one run on Brandon Nimmo’s homer and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. But he walked off the mound, grabbing the back of his right leg, after hitting Andres Gimenez with a pitch to load the bases. JoJo Romero entered and retired Wilson Ramos on a double-play grounder.Romero tossed two innings, Tommy Hunter got two outs and Hector Neris finished for his fourth save in seven chances.Mets starter Rick Porcello (1-5) yielded four runs and six hits in six innings as New York (21-27) lost its third straight and fell... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched effectively into the sixth inning before leaving with an injury, Didi Gregorius hit a two-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 4-1 Tuesday night.The scuffling Mets played their first game since billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen agreed to buy the team from the Wilpon and Katz families. The agreement was announced Monday and the deal is subject to the approval of Major League Baseball owners. Arrieta (4-4) allowed one run on Brandon Nimmo’s homer and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. But he walked off the mound, grabbing the back of his right leg, after hitting Andres Gimenez with a pitch to load the bases. JoJo Romero entered and retired Wilson Ramos on a double-play grounder.Romero tossed two innings, Tommy Hunter got two outs and Hector Neris finished for his fourth save in seven chances.Mets starter Rick Porcello (1-5) yielded four runs and six hits in six innings as New York (21-27) lost its third straight and fell... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched effectively into the sixth inning before leaving with an injury, Didi Gregorius hit a two-run homer and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 4-1 Tuesday night.The scuffling Mets played their first game since billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen agreed to buy the team from the Wilpon and Katz families. The agreement was announced Monday and the deal is subject to the approval of Major League Baseball owners. Arrieta (4-4) allowed one run on Brandon Nimmo’s homer and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. But he walked off the mound, grabbing the back of his right leg, after hitting Andres Gimenez with a pitch to load the bases. JoJo Romero entered and retired Wilson Ramos on a double-play grounder.Romero tossed two innings, Tommy Hunter got two outs and Hector Neris finished for his fourth save in seven chances.Mets starter Rick Porcello (1-5) yielded four runs and six hits in six innings as New York (21-27) lost its third straight and fell... [More]

Cardinals first. Tommy Edman singles to right field. Paul DeJong flies out to Ryan Braun. Paul Goldschmidt doubles to deep right center field. Tommy Edman scores. Rangel Ravelo grounds out to third base, Jace Peterson to Jedd Gyorko. Brad Miller grounds out to shallow infield, Brett Anderson to Jedd Gyorko.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 1, Brewers 0.Brewers first. Avisail Garcia strikes out swinging. Christian Yelich homers to center field. Ryan Braun homers to center field. Daniel Vogelbach strikes out swinging. Keston Hiura strikes out swinging.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cardinals 1.Brewers third. Omar Narvaez strikes out swinging. Avisail Garcia flies out to right field to Rangel Ravelo. Christian Yelich singles to shallow center field. Ryan Braun walks. Christian Yelich to second. Daniel Vogelbach doubles to deep left center field. Ryan Braun scores. Christian Yelich scores. Keston Hiura lines out to deep left field to Tyler O'Neill.2 runs, 2 hits,... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers scratched left-hander Brett Anderson on Saturday because of right hip soreness.Brent Suter got the start against the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. Manager Craig Counsell said he was in great shape for a bullpen game, with each of his relievers available.Brandon Woodruff, Devin Williams and Josh Hader combined for a two-hitter in Milwaukee's 1-0 victory in the series opener Friday night.The 32-year-old Anderson is day to day. Counsell said Anderson should be ready at some point during the team's five-game series against St. Louis that begins on Monday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run homer off a struggling Jon Lester, and the St. Louis Cardinals gained ground in the NL Central race by beating the Chicago Cubs 7-3 on Sunday night.St. Louis pulled within 1 1/2 games of Chicago with its third consecutive win over the division leaders. The longtime rivals have one game left in their pandemic-shortened season series on Monday.Dakota Hudson (2-2) worked five innings of three-run ball, shrugging off a shaky start.Chicago dropped to 10-15 since its 13-3 start. Anthony Rizzo and Jason Kipnis homered for the Cubs, but Lester (2-2) lasted just 3 1/3 innings in another lackluster performance.ANGELS 9, ASTROS 5ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Anthony Rendon homered, Jared Walsh and Justin Upton delivered key hits during a four-run eighth inning and Los Angeles swept the four-game series.The Angels have a won a season-high five straight. They trailed by at least three runs in each game against Houston before rallying.Mike Mayers (1-0), the fifth... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run homer off a struggling Jon Lester, and the St. Louis Cardinals gained ground in the NL Central race by beating the Chicago Cubs 7-3 on Sunday night.St. Louis pulled within 1 1/2 games of Chicago with its third consecutive win over the division leaders. The longtime rivals have one game left in their pandemic-shortened season series on Monday.Dakota Hudson (2-2) worked five innings of three-run ball, shrugging off a shaky start.Chicago dropped to 10-15 since its 13-3 start. Anthony Rizzo and Jason Kipnis homered for the Cubs, but Lester (2-2) lasted just 3 1/3 innings in another lackluster performance.ANGELS 9, ASTROS 5ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Anthony Rendon homered, Jared Walsh and Justin Upton delivered key hits during a four-run eighth inning and Los Angeles swept the four-game series.The Angels have a won a season-high five straight. They trailed by at least three runs in each game against Houston before rallying.Mike Mayers (1-0), the fifth... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Javier Báez hit two home runs and the Chicago Cubs became the second franchise in major league history to post 11,000 wins, beating the Detroit Tigers 9-3 on Monday night.Only the Giants have won more, with 11,179 victories after starting in New York in 1883 and later moving to San Francisco.The Cubs, who earned their first victory in 1876, improved to 11,000-10,414. The Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers are close behind with 10,996 wins.David Bote homered and drove in four runs for the NL Central-leading Cubs. Báez had three RBIs.Cubs starter Alec Mills (3-2) got the win, giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out seven. Tigers top prospect Casey Mize (0-1) made his first home start, allowing four runs — three earned — on five hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. He struck out two.BLUE JAYS 6, RAYS 4ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Randal Grichuk hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning and Toronto beat Tampa Bay.Reliever Aaron Loup (3-2) replaced Edgar García... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Javier Báez hit two home runs and the Chicago Cubs became the second franchise in major league history to post 11,000 wins, beating the Detroit Tigers 9-3 on Monday night.Only the Giants have won more, with 11,179 victories after starting in New York in 1883 and later moving to San Francisco.The Cubs, who earned their first victory in 1876, improved to 11,000-10,414. The Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers are close behind with 10,996 wins.David Bote homered and drove in four runs for the NL Central-leading Cubs. Báez had three RBIs.Cubs starter Alec Mills (3-2) got the win, giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out seven. Tigers top prospect Casey Mize (0-1) made his first home start, allowing four runs — three earned — on five hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. He struck out two.BLUE JAYS 6, RAYS 4ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Randal Grichuk hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning and Toronto beat Tampa Bay.Reliever Aaron Loup (3-2) replaced Edgar García... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Javier Báez hit two home runs and the Chicago Cubs became the second franchise in major league history to post 11,000 wins, beating the Detroit Tigers 9-3 on Monday night.Only the Giants have won more, with 11,179 victories after starting in New York in 1883 and later moving to San Francisco.The Cubs, who earned their first victory in 1876, improved to 11,000-10,414. The Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers are close behind with 10,996 wins.David Bote homered and drove in four runs for the NL Central-leading Cubs. Báez had three RBIs.Cubs starter Alec Mills (3-2) got the win, giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out seven. Tigers top prospect Casey Mize (0-1) made his first home start, allowing four runs — three earned — on five hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. He struck out two.BLUE JAYS 6, RAYS 4ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Randal Grichuk hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning and Toronto beat Tampa Bay.Reliever Aaron Loup (3-2) replaced Edgar García... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Manny Machado hit a grand slam with one out in the 10th inning and the San Diego Padres beat the Texas Rangers for the third straight game, 6-3 Wednesday night.Machado’s 11th career grand slam and sixth walkoff homer came off Rafael Montero (0-1), whose only out in the 10th came on pinch-hitter Greg Garcia’s sacrifice.Fernando Tatis Jr., who hit his MLB-leading 12th homer earlier, drew a walk off Montero to load the bases ahead of Machado, who hit his sixth homer of the season.The Padres have hit grand slams in three straight games for the first time in club history.Texas had gone ahead 3-2 in the top of the inning when Willie Calhoun’s dribbler in front of the plate off Tim Hill (1-0) scored Nick Solak with two outs.Joey Gallo had tied the game at 2 with a homer off Matt Strahm leading off the ninth, his seventh. The Padres beat the Rangers in Arlington on Monday and Tuesday.Roughned Odor homered off Chris Paddack with one out in the second, his third.INDIANS 6, PIRATES... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Civale struck out six and didn’t issue a walk while picking up the first complete game of his young career as the Cleveland Indians pushed their winning streak to five with a 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.The 25-year-old Civale allowed five hits and narrowly missed a shutout when Pittsburgh pushed across a run with Josh Bell’s sacrifice fly in the ninth. Carlos Santana broke open a scoreless game with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Domingo Santana added a bases-clearing double in the eighth as the Indians improved to a season-best six games over .500 (15-9).Santana turned on a full-count cutter from reliever Dovydas Neverauskas (0-3) and sent it over the right-field seats for his third home run of the season. Pittsburgh’s National League-worst batting average dropped to .211 when it failed to muster much of anything against Civale. The Pirates have dropped 13 of 15 and their 4-16 record is the worst in the major leagues.METS 5, MARLINS... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Civale struck out six and didn’t issue a walk while picking up the first complete game of his young career as the Cleveland Indians pushed their winning streak to five with a 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.The 25-year-old Civale allowed five hits and narrowly missed a shutout when Pittsburgh pushed across a run with Josh Bell’s sacrifice fly in the ninth. Carlos Santana broke open a scoreless game with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Domingo Santana added a bases-clearing double in the eighth as the Indians improved to a season-best six games over .500 (15-9).Santana turned on a full-count cutter from reliever Dovydas Neverauskas (0-3) and sent it over the right-field seats for his third home run of the season. Pittsburgh’s National League-worst batting average dropped to .211 when it failed to muster much of anything against Civale. The Pirates have dropped 13 of 15 and their 4-16 record is the worst in the major leagues.METS 5, MARLINS... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mookie Betts hit three home runs in a game for the sixth time in his career, matching a major league record, and the Los Angeles Dodgers launched six long balls in all Thursday night during an 11-2 rout of the San Diego Padres.Betts tied a mark shared by Sammy Sosa and Hall of Famer Johnny Mize. The 2018 AL MVP went 4 for 4 with five RBIs and was hit by a pitch in the leadoff spot, where manager Dave Roberts has been reluctant to lock him in.Corey Seager, AJ Pollock and Austin Barnes also homered for the Dodgers. Seager returned after missing five games because of lower back discomfort. Barnes and Betts went back-to-back.With a chance to tie the big league mark of four home runs in one game, Betts reached on an infield single in the seventh. The National League’s top two home run-hitting teams split the four-game series, with the Dodgers outscoring the Padres 17-2 over the last two.Julio Urías (2-0) gave up consecutive homers to Tommy Pham and Eric Hosmer in the first... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Yu Darvish took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his third straight dominant start, and the major league-leading Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Thursday night.Darvish allowed just one hit — Justin Smoak’s solo homer with one out in the seventh inning on his 98th pitch — before Casey Sadler relieved to start the eighth. The 33-year-old right-hander from Japan struck out 11 and threw 104 pitches.Before Smoak’s drive, Darvish allowed only three baserunners. He walked Ben Gamel in the second and Orlando Arcia in the fifth, and hit Christian Yelich with a low pitch in the first. Kyle Schwarber homered early as Chicago improved to 13-3 for the first time since 1907. Javier Baez, Ian Happ and David Bote each had an RBI.Rowan Wick allowed Smoak's run-scoring double with two outs in the ninth before finishing the four-hitter for his third save. Cubs slugger Kris Bryant was held out of the starting lineup with a sore left wrist and ring finger.Brett Anderson... [More]